"Great leaders know that every step they take, every decision they make, matters in the end," she wrote in her book "Tough Truths."

"They know they must strategize carefully, then act aggressively. They know they must think ahead — not just to their next step — but to the many steps after it. They know they must always be on the look-out for opportunities, and for others who will fight them for the same."

In her book, Maloney shared 11 tough leadership lessons that aren't usually discussed by those on top.